Mileage: 3.5 miles, one way
Elevation: 6220 to 8587 feet
Difficulty: Most difficult
Use Level: Heavy
Season: June through October
Topographic Map: Sierra City 7.5'

Access: Approximately five miles east of Sierra City on Highway 49, turn onto Gold Lake Highway at Bassetts Station. Continue for approximately one and four-tenths mile to the bridge crossing Salmon Creek and turn left. Continue for about three-tenths mile and turn right onto Packer Lake Road. Proceed for two and five-tenths miles and turn left onto Forest Road 93 (Packer Saddle Road). Continue one-tenth mile. On the left side is a large sign reading "Lower and Upper Tamarack Lakes and Sierra Buttes." The hike begins here. Ample parking is available.

Trail Description: From the trailhead follow the rough gravel road. In one-quarter mile the gravel road forks. Follow the right fork. After approximately one-half mile you will reach a sign reading "Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond via Trail." This is the Tamarack Connection Trail. Keep to the right and you will see another sign marked "Sierra Buttes LO." Tamarack Lake will be on your left. Continue another half-mile to a sign directing you to the left. The trail follows this ridge to the Lookout. Both the trail and Lookout offer spectacular views. Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, and Mount Rose can often be seen. During the summer, volunteers occupy the Sierra Buttes Lookout for wildfire detection.